A season for Carr to sit and learn may be best for both himself and the Raiders, but the team likely wouldn’t keep him on the sidelines any longer than that.

Considering which, as much as Schaub could have an impact this season, this isn’t an addition that does much to address the future of the franchise, given 2014 could very well be his only season in silver and black.

Underrated: DT Antonio Smith

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Wade Payne/Associated Press

While a lot has been made about the Raiders’ key edge-rush additions this offseason, the signing of defensive tackle Antonio Smith could have a similar impact for the unit overall.

As we have seen throughout the league, with dominant interior linemen like J.J. Watt and Geno Atkins, a good interior pass rush can be even more disruptive than one off the edge.

With the Texans, Smith was a consistent force rushing the passer from the 5-technique as a 3-4 defensive end, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive players at the position.

He will be making the switch to the 3-technique in the Raiders’ 4-3 front, but if Jason Hatcher’s 11-sack 2013 campaign is any indication, such a transition can pay off in a big way.

A similar spike in production is no guarantee, but the potential for it is there with Smith’s skill set, and the talent level of the defensive front this season.

Either way, like many of the Raiders’ signings, Smith brings value both as a veteran presence in the locker room and in his role on the field, and he should be an important addition moving forward.

Overrated: WR Greg Little

In a wide-open receiver competition, he will have every opportunity to win a contributing role, but the on him expectations mustn’t be set too high just yet.

Little has all of the necessary physical tools to produce at the NFL level, but issues with drops and overall consistency resulted in him being released from the receiver-needy Cleveland Browns.

Again, Little will be given a chance to earn a role within the Raiders’ offense, but as we have seen with young players in recent seasons, being able to translate solid OTA performances into in-game production is the key.

The fresh start and better quarterback situation may indeed allow Little to do just that in Oakland, but we won’t know that until preseason action gets underway.

Underrated: RB Maurice Jones-Drew

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Stephen Morton/Associated Press

When he got to free agency this offseason, Maurice Jones-Drew found out first-hand how the market has started to shape up for running backs anywhere near the age of 30.

Jones-Drew has struggled with injury over the past two seasons, but he was easily among the league’s most productive and consistent running backs beforehand.

Of course, a player’s explosiveness will decline as they get older, which is likely more noticeable with running backs than any other position, but it is Jones-Drew’s vision, power and pass protection that have long made him the player he is.

Either way, he will likely split carries with Darren McFadden throughout the year, but the competition should keep each at the top of their game throughout.

Again, staying healthy is the key, but Jones-Drew could very well end up being one of the Raiders’ best offseason additions if he can do just that.